Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich believes Usman Khawaja’s decision to lose eight kilos has led to his form turnaround and excellence in the field.
Khawaja took a spectacular catch to remove Indian captain Virat Kohli in the first test and set the tone for the first session of the summer.
Katich doesn’t believe Khawaja would’ve taken that catch before losing the weight and said Justin Langer would’ve challenged the 31-year-old to do it.
“I think the ethos that Justin lives by that it’s not just about the physical benefit or being able to do things out in the field for longer,” Katich told SEN Cricket.
“It’s more so mental discipline. It’s a challenge for you and to have that discipline, to watch what you eat and be as professional as you possibly can.
“That’s almost what this team needed is that discipline in all those different facets of the game.
“Usman Khawaja, I don’t think would’ve scored that 100 in the UAE to help us draw that test match 12 months ago in those conditions ago with his fitness.
“He probably wouldn’t admit that, but those of us that know him well would guarantee that innings was off the back of all the hard work he’s done to lose eight kilos.”
Katich added dismissing Kohli early on gives Australia a massive advantage in this first innings.
“If Kohli goes on to make a massive score and set up India’s innings, that potentially could help India go on to win the match and the series,” he said.
“It’s a massive catch.”
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